Elizabeth Mullins – Page 2

Congratulations Graduates

Anderson Sarmiento Angulo
Fundación Universitaria Los Libertadores
Law Degree
Bogotá, Colombia

Shanelle Brooks
College of the Canyons
Associate of Arts in Theater Arts
Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Leroy Faison
University of North Florida
Associate of Arts
Jacksonville, Florida, US

Yoav Galindo
Cbt #2 Ecatepec
Food Service Technician
Mexico City, Mexico

Flor Alexia Pantoja García
Benemérita Escuela Normal Federalizada de Tamaulipas
Bachelor of Primary Education
Tamaulipas, Mexico

Gabby Grant
University of Southern California
Master of Public Health
Los Angeles, California, US

Hamari Hommer
Jacksonville University
Bachelor of Science in Film, English Minor
Jacksonville, Florida, US

Diego Meza Pereyra
CETI Centro de Enseñanza Técnica Industrial
Construction Technologist
Guadalajara, Mexico

Tatiana Rocha
California State University Northridge
Bachelor of Psychology
Sun Valley, California, US

Rajauhn Sancho
Jacksonville University
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Political Science Minor
Jacksonville, Florida, US

Edward A. Smith
College of Southern Maryland
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Washington, District of Columbia

Jayden Turgott
University of Maryland, College Park
Bachelor of Science and Mathematics
Washington, District of Columbia

Michael Turner
American Career College
Associate of Science in Radiology
Los Angeles, California, US

Jeremy Benitez
Granada Hills Charter High School
Sun Valley, California, US

Kody Creager
Campbell County High School
Cincinnati, Ohio, US

Jacob Thomas Frantz
Batavia High School
Cincinnati, Ohio, US

Zaharee Jordan
High School
Jacksonville, Florida, US

Deja Murray
Gainesville High School
Washington, District of Columbia

J’amari Phelps
High School
Jacksonville, Florida, US

Chase Thompson
Willamette High School
River Road, Oregon, US

Bradley Vess
High School
Jacksonville, Florida, US

James R. Whitmore
Hillard Darby High School
Marion, Ohio, US

Isaac
Colegió Nacional de Educación Profesional Técnica (Secondary)
Mexico City, Mexico

Darita
Escuela Preparatoria Número 3 Justo Sierra (Secondary)
Mexico City, Mexico

Introducing GCI’s New Media Coordinator

“God’s unfailing love and care allow me to face my anxieties with courage,
and I hope to share this message of reassurance with others in ministry.”

We are excited to welcome Justin Dids Raduban, GCI’s Media Coordinator, to the Home Office team. With a decade of experience in media and a heart rooted in Christ, Justin brings creativity and structure to support our pastors and ministry workers worldwide.

Get to know Justin.

Kingdom Citizens’ Toolbox—Disciple Young Neighbors

Citizens of God’s kingdom understand that the gospel is for everyone — not just adults. We are compelled by God’s love to disciple the young people near us. Neighborhood camps are a wonderful opportunity for building friendships and discipleship. See below for resources for day camps.

Hosting a neighborhood camp is a powerful way for churches to embody and share the love of Christ with their neighbors. These camps create opportunities for children and families to experience the joy of community, engage with the gospel in tangible ways, and build lasting relationships. Whether your church is looking to start a new engagement or enhance an existing program, past camp curricula can serve as valuable resources to guide and inspire your efforts.

2016 Celebrate the Grip

2017 The Journey

There are also many publishing groups that offer digital curriculum packages yearly. Here are a few that may spark some ideas:

Sparkhouse in the Summer | Sparkhouse

VBS – Vacation Bible School | Curriculum Programs & Kits | Group

Store – GO! Curriculum

Let’s engage our neighborhoods with purpose and watch God transform lives through these connections!

Kingdom Living—Neighborhood Camps

Kingdom Living looks like loving your neighborhood by putting down roots. It looks like displaying your commitment to your neighbors’ flourishing, serving their children over the long haul, year after year. Read below the stories of GCI congregations that are building lasting relationships with the young people in their communities.

Jacksonville, Florida, US

The Jacksonville congregation hosted its annual neighborhood youth camp, known as “Grace Camp 2025,” June 11–14.

Camp was attended by 35 youth and 20 adult staff. More than half of the participants were neighbors from the homes near our church building. We held daily chapel with a curriculum entitled “God’s Amazing Grace Changes Everything.” The four chapel lessons were: Grace changes …

- - Who you are
  - What you love most
  - How you live
  - Your eternal future

We provided three meals a day, outdoor sports, arts and crafts, a dance, skits and talent presentations, water balloon contests, a block party, and an inspirational movie with discussion. We also enjoyed outings to a U.S. Navy destroyer ship and museum and to Jekyll Island, G.A. Activities on Jekyll Island included a dolphin boat tour and visits to a water park, a pier, beach, and picnic areas.

The weather was favorable, and everyone enjoyed a safe, fun, and inspirational time together. Watch our short video of Grace Camp 2025 here.

By Marty Davey, Pastor
Jacksonville, Florida, US

Pasadena, California, US

GC Pasadena had a very successful day camp last Sunday. All our members were involved in inviting and praying for campers. Seventeen campers attended with 12 volunteers helping.

Our camp ran from 9 am–5 pm with lots of food for everyone. Our theme was “God Created Science,” and we offered many interesting science activities. We gave the campers gifts and certificates of attendance after our worship service. Our normal Sunday format was adjusted for the campers.

One mother commented, “I like your church, and I haven’t attended any for a long time. I will attend your church.” Another mother, who we met through our food distribution, came with her two children.

Depending on our budget, we are planning to do this twice a year. Please continue to pray that these kids with parents will all come to believe that they are included in the life and love of our triune God. You can see more pictures at our website, although they cannot capture the joy everyone felt during the camp. I wish you all could have witnessed it yourself.

To God be the glory. All praises belong to him.

Angie with her husband, Sadie, pictured in the camp photo booth

By Angie Tabin, Pastor
Pasadena, California, US

Richardson, Texas, US

Thirty-one children enjoyed summer fun and learning life skills at Richardson Neighborhood Skills Camp (RNSC), “Wild Skills,” July 7–9. Twenty-six volunteers, including Grace Communion Richardson members and adult leaders from the congregation’s American Heritage Girls Troop, shared practical, artistic, and relational skills with campers. It was a friendly, high-energy atmosphere from 10 am–4 pm each day.

RNSC provides space for adults to share their hearts, skills, abilities, and talents with neighborhood children in a cross-generational, relationship-building environment. We pointed to Jesus within our four basic guidelines:

- - Love God
  - Love Others
  - Have Fun
  - Be Safe

In this third year of RNSC, skills included: first aid, robotics, soldering, sign language, graphic design, videography, bicycle and auto care, hospitality, and party planning. Using song and dance, our camp also featured the relational skills of teamwork, helpfulness, encouragement, perseverance, accountability, and courage.

Overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers, parents, and children has already created excitement for next year when RNSC is expected to increase the number of children served and further our neighborhood focus.

By Christine Ojih, Camp Director
Richardson, Texas, US

Devotional—The Last Bite and Jesus’ Heart

Did you know that at Filipino gatherings, there’s always that last piece of food on the plate that no one wants to take? We call it the “piece of shame” or hiya. It’s not that no one wants it — everyone just feels it would be selfish to take the last piece of food. So instead, they leave it for someone else.

Could that simple cultural moment reflect the heart of Jesus?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3–4

That’s exactly what happens when we leave that last piece. It may seem small, but it’s a way of putting others first.

Jesus did that too — but in the most powerful way. He didn’t just give up a bite of food — he gave up his life. Jesus’ love is sacrificial. It gives, even when it costs something. And when we choose to be generous or put others first — yes, even with something as small as food — we’re reflecting a little bit of him.

So, next time you see that last piece of food, think of Jesus. Let it remind you to be someone who lives with humility, generosity, and love — not just at the dinner table, but in everything.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that even with this simple Filipino custom of hiya, we are reminded of your sacrificial and unconditional love for us. May we reflect more of your humility and generosity to others in our everyday lives. Amen.

By Jessica Joy Pamor, GC Pili Youth Leader
Bicol, Philippines

It Is Not So With You

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

Matthew chapter 20 provides insight into the deep wells of the human heart.

The mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

“What is it you want?” he asked.

She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”

“We can,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:20–28

The first lesson is the desire of a mother for recognition and promotion of her two sons. Perhaps she was prompted by her sons to make this bold request. They had seen over and over how Jesus was receptive to women and the special relationship he shared with his own mother. Perhaps James and John thought, “How could he deny her this request?”

These ambitious brothers (the “sons of thunder,” as they were called) wanted to be the right-hand and left-hand men for Jesus, not just now, but for the eternal kingdom. It was a big ask. Jesus’ reply was rather gentle, but straight to the heart of the matter. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” He alluded to the cup of suffering and death. Maybe it’s my sports background, but the phrase, “no pain, no gain” keeps echoing in my head. These young men acknowledged that they could drink the cup.

Leeuwarden, Netherlands

On Pentecost Sunday, two young men were baptized: Byanmungu Nene (24) and Baraka Matendo Makoti (15), the son of Pastor Makoti.

It was a beautiful baptism service, and we are grateful to God that he called them and that they said yes to Jesus Christ, their Savior!

Afterwards, Pentecost was celebrated with an estimated 80 people present. There was exuberant singing, including a large children’s choir — the roof almost came off from all the enthusiasm!

Before communion and a tasty meal, Kahindo Kasinde preached about Pentecost and the power of God. And Pastor Frans gave a short sermon on how to love God above all and your neighbor as yourself, led by the Holy Spirit. It was a special and encouraging day!

By Frans Danenberg, Elder
Almere, Netherlands

Mexico City, Mexico

Earlier this year, Diana Zarate Contreras and Edgar Morales Calderón chose to be baptized at the conclusion of a conference for various congregations across Mexico. The conference fostered fellowship, unity, and spiritual growth. I officiated the baptisms with Alfredo Oloño, and it was a joyful and meaningful experience that will be cherished forever!

Our first encounter with Diana was during her daughter’s baptism in 2022, which sparked a meaningful connection. She soon became an active member of our church, with her heartfelt desire to follow Jesus growing stronger each day. Currently, Diana serves as an usher and aspires to become a children’s teacher. She remains committed to her spiritual growth through ongoing training and dedication.

Edgar Morales initially approached the church seeking marriage counseling with Alfredo Oloño. Through a period of counseling and discipleship, he made the decision to be baptized, openly confessing his faith in Jesus Christ. Currently, he serves in the Connection Group in La Paz, State of Mexico. He and his wife are students in the Ministerial Development Program (MDP) offered by Communion of Grace International (CGI, as GCI is known in Spanish). Both Edgar and his wife have demonstrated a faith truly worthy of their calling.

By Natanael Cruz, Pastor
Mexico City, Mexico

New Wineskins Gathering for US Pastors

We were blessed this year to host forty of our pastors and spouses from across the nation at the Home Office in Charlotte for our two New Wineskins events. Eighteen pastors and spouses attended the first event, held on April 3–May 3, and 22 pastors and spouses attended our second event, held on June 5–7.

Here are a few comments we received during and after the events.

“I appreciated the emphasis on Healthy Pastor from the beginning and a support for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.”

“I really appreciated this workshop of high support and high challenge! The high support of connecting and praying with other pastors and national leadership team was priceless.”

“I believe these trainings are valuable not only for the conferences but also for the opportunity to hear ideas about the various ways other leaders are moving their churches forward. I think these two factors are extremely important because the lives of pastors are somewhat isolated.”

“I am so thankful for the national team and the prayer and conversations that went into providing this learning space. Your efforts are not in vain and good things are happening by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!”

“I am starting a School of Prayer as part of the new wine for our congregation. We have not been a praying church, and it is time to start. I am excited to lead people into a new level of intimacy with their Savior.”

“Reflecting on our time together, I am filled with hope and excitement about the important lessons we have gathered. One of the most profound insights I have gained is our calling to continue shining brightly within our communities.”

“The need to cast off any lingering vestiges of a culture of pastor centric dependence.”

“This did not feel like another program, it felt more like a road-mapping session to see how we might intelligently navigate where the Father, Son, and Spirit are taking us.”

“The Father, Son, and Spirit have newness to pour into our denomination and our local congregations and we must set about the business of making room for this newness.”

2026 Denominational Celebration

The Denominational Celebration
will be held
in Dallas, Texas, U.S.
on July 23-26, 2026.

Kingdom Living is participatory, relational, and missional.

Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” As citizens of the kingdom and co-laborers with Christ, we are sent into the world to reflect his light. Kingdom Living requires awareness of our calling and our context, seeing our neighborhoods, vocations, and even our sufferings as places where Jesus reigns and sends us.

Kingdom Living is not passive. it is a bold proclamation and a tangible demonstration. We not only speak of the reign of God, we show it. Our words align with our works. As image bearers, our relationships become a visible witness to the reality of the kingdom being ushered in.

During this gathering, we’ll explore what it means to live as kingdom people, active participants in God’s mission, deeply rooted in community, and shaped by the presence and authority of Jesus.

Registration information coming soon!

From Equipper—Parable of the Weeds

Join us! We invite you to read this article from Equipper.

Subscribe to Equipper today!

By Al Kurzawa, Pastor
Morwell and Seaford, Victoria, Australia

Did God leave us anything to do?

Have you ever volunteered and shown up to the job ready with gloves and tools in hand, only to find out that the work was already completed? You’ve set aside time to help only to be told to relax because everything is already done. The parable of the weeds (Matthew 13:24–30) and Jesus’ explanation of the parable (verses 36–43) can leave us feeling this way after our first read through. A quick recap shows who does all the action in this parable and it’s not us. We find Jesus has already sown the good seeds, the enemy has sown the weeds, the servants ask a couple of questions, and in the end the harvesters (the angels) collect the weeds at harvest and burn them. If we assume we are the good seeds, the people of the kingdom, we are left with only two passive things to do: shine like the sun and whoever has ears, let them hear. I guess we all got dressed up in our overalls for nothing!

In most of Jesus’ parables, there is an “aha!” moment after we have spent some time wrestling with it. Following some rough-and-tumble grappling, we find in this parable both the good news of the kingdom and a formidable and challenging opportunity for us as citizens of that kingdom. The good news is that the Son of Man has sown the good seed, and he has sown that good seed throughout the entire world.

Between the parable of the weeds and its explanation are the parables of the mustard seed and yeast that clue us in that the kingdom can seem small and hidden, but it is always growing and permeating the entire world. This is a good reminder that it is not for us to judge or decide who is or is not a citizen of the kingdom. The wheat and weeds are so similar and intertwined that we can do much damage if we try to make those judgements when God has told us he is the one that will take care of the sifting. We are to serve all our neighbors, all those we encounter, as good seed that has been sown by God. All humans are made in the image of God.

Even though most of the action seems to have been performed by others in this parable, the Son of Man does give us something to do. And this action is a lot tougher than it first appears. The man tells his servants, “Let both grow together until the harvest.” Let’s geek out on the Greek for a minute. The word “let” in this passage in the Greek can mean permit, suffer, let, or forgive.[i] Let them grow together or possibly suffer together. How does it challenge us when we think of it as “suffer together?” Is this the call to action in this parable for us as citizens? If we love our neighbor as our self, if we love one another as Jesus loved us, if we pray for our enemies, if we live as the beloved children of God, then at times we will experience suffering in this lifetime.

We may be experiencing suffering right now. When we open ourselves up to serving others, caring for others’ needs, loving others, then we also allow ourselves to be vulnerable and open to suffering. Here we were thinking all the hard work was done with the seeds already being planted and the angels taking care of the harvest! But we find in this simple term, “let, permit, suffer together,” our calling and challenge as citizens of the kingdom as we participate in Jesus’ mission to the world by serving those around us.

We are comforted knowing the kingdom will reach its fullness and the harvest will come. Jesus assures us that through our suffering and our participation in his plan of “let them grow together,” God is at work in mysterious ways that only he can accomplish. Our acts of service and our shared suffering for the kingdom will be transformed into moments of glory that will shine like the sun in the fullness of the kingdom. He who has ears, let him hear.

[i] William D. Mounce, Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament. Accordance electronic edition, version 4.6. Altamonte Springs: OakTree Software, 2011. See also Robert Farrar Capon, Parables of Kingdom, Grace, and Judgement. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company), 90ff.

Author: Elizabeth Mullins